Atletico Madrid is set to face Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, but they might have to do so without a crucial player. Star midfielder Pablo Barrios was forced off during their win against Athletic Club on Saturday. It’s highly probable he will miss this match, and potentially the return leg in London as well.
Barrios has been plagued by several muscle injuries this season, and the latest one sustained against Athletic appears to be similar. This setback comes just as he was making his first start since returning to action, indicating another period on the sidelines is likely.
According to Diario AS, Atletico’s head coach, Diego Simeone, voiced his disappointment about Barrios’ injury after Saturday’s game.
“I haven’t seen him yet. The doctors will inform us about his injury. Life often presents challenges, and they are doing so with him this year regarding injuries. He needs to view this as a learning experience, with the strength and will to learn from what is happening. He must remain strong and work. Before the game, I told him that I have a lot of faith in him; he is very important to us, and we are waiting for him. Hopefully, the injury is as minor as possible so he can be with us by the end of the season.”
Atleti awaits further details in the next 24 hours
The full extent of Barrios’ injury is expected to be known by the end of the weekend. It’s very unlikely he will participate against Arsenal on Wednesday. However, if the issue is minor, there’s a possibility he could travel to London the following week for the second leg, which would be the best-case scenario for both him and Atletico.
